Crime and intelligence - Fingerprints policy (S2600)
1. Summary of changes
1.1 This policy was reviewed in June 2023 - minor amendments were made.
2. What this policy is about
2.1 This policy is about fingerprinting persons for both policing and non-policing purposes. It also informs about fingerprint submissions from crime scenes.
Compliance with this policy and any linked procedures is mandatory.
3. Statement of policy
3.1 The policy provides a reference document for those involved in the taking of fingerprints, the submission of latent marks from crime scenes and the submission of items for chemical treatment to recover latent marks.
3.2 It provides reference to the relevant legislation and national guidance relating to fingerprint sampling in order to ensure all samples are obtained appropriately to the required standard enabling the effective use of fingerprint identification to assist in the investigation and reduction of crime in our communities.
4. Implications of the policy
4.1. No financial, staffing or training implications have been identified in the creation of this policy.
4.2. Risk assessment(s)
4.2 This policy has been assessed as medium risk.
4.3. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)
4.3.1. An EIA has been completed in June 2020 and this policy has been assessed as low impact.
5. Consultation
5.1 The following have been consulted during the formulation of this document:
- Forensic Investigations Kent (Forensics Operations Co-ordinator)
- Forensic Investigations Essex (Forensics Operations Co-ordinator)
- Custody Kent
- Custody Essex
- Athena Project Team
- HR
- IT Security
- Finance
- Estates
- Health and Safety
- Equality and Diversity
6. Monitoring and review
6.1 This policy will be monitored by the policy author every two years with the next review scheduled for July 2023.
7. Related force policies or related procedures (Essex)/linked standard operating procedures (Kent)
7.1 Data security
7.1.1 Essex Police and Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy.
7.2 Retention and disposal of records
7.2.1 Essex Police and Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy.
7.2.2 We will only hold data for as long as necessary for the purposes for which we collected.
Policy reference: Fingerprints policy (S2600)
Contact point: Fingerprint Services Manager
Date last reviewed: June 2023
If you require any further information or to request any documentation referenced within the policy please email [email protected]. For general enquiries, contact us.